The Antigo Off-Road National kicks off this weekend at the Langlade County Fairgrounds -- three days of AMSOIL Championship Off-Road racing with high-speed action starting Friday. Add in The Dweebs Family Party Band bringing zany crowd-participation energy to Rondele Ranch Saturday night, and you've got a full weekend. Weather cooperates across all three days: sunny highs of 89 Friday, 83 Saturday, and 81 Sunday, with rain chances in the single digits the whole stretch. Get outside.
Friday
Antigo Off-Road National -- Langlade County Fairgrounds
The AMSOIL Championship Off-Road Races return to Antigo for their annual multi-day run at the Langlade County Fairgrounds. This is the opening day of a three-day event -- one-day and weekend passes are both available, and you can buy at the gate or in advance at Southside Tire. On-site camping is an option if you're making a full weekend of it.
Clay & Charcuterie Class -- Warehouse Community Arts Center, 5:00 PM CT
You'll hand-build a tulip or flower-shaped personal charcuterie tray out of clay -- and yes, there's actual charcuterie to snack on while you do it, plus a drink from the Inspiration Bar included. It's a good Friday-evening hang in Eagle River, and the kind of thing that's more fun with a friend in tow.
Author Talk: Nick Petrie -- Nicolet College Theatre, $15, 6:00 PM CT
Milwaukee-area thriller writer Nick Petrie comes to Rhinelander to talk up his ninth Peter Ash novel, The Dark Time -- a series the New York Times Book Review called out for its "talent for ratcheting up the suspense." Petrie's debut won the ITW Thriller award and the Barry Award for Best First Novel, so this isn't a casual hobby project. Doors open at 5:00 PM, refreshments are available for purchase, and copies of both The Drifter (book one) and The Dark Time will be on sale from Briar House before and after the program.
Saturday
Tomahawk Farm & Flea Market -- Qualheim's True Value, Free, 8:00 AM CT
Free admission to browse the market -- whatever you spend goes to the vendors and food sellers. Good excuse to get out early on what's shaping up to be one of the nicer mornings of the year.
Plant Swap -- Demmer Memorial Library, Free, 9:00 AM CT
Bring a plant, leave a plant -- and if you don't have one to bring, that's fine too. This free community swap takes place in the Historical Society parking lot in Three Lakes. A no-pressure way to add something new to the garden.
Guide Bird Walk -- Tomahawk Public Library, 10:00 AM CT
Chucky leads a three-hour guided walk around the library grounds, covering bird ID basics and how to get started in birding. Runs 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and all participants get entered for a birding prize giveaway. Register at the Tomahawk Public Library front desk ahead of time.
Bike Blessing Event -- The blessing will take place in the parking lot at Precision Powersports, Free, 10:00 AM CT
Spirit Ryders, the local Christian Motorcyclists Association chapter, is hosting a spring blessing at Precision Powersports in Rhinelander -- open to motorcycles, UTVs, ATVs, and kids with bikes. After the blessing, everyone rides together to an ice cream destination. Genuinely a nice community thing.
The Dweebs Concert -- Rondele Ranch, 6:00 PM CT
The Dweebs Family Party Band brings high-energy crowd participation and "zany antics" -- their words, and accurate. GA tickets are $10 each or $32 for a four-pack, with reserved tables also available through Eventbrite at rondeleranch53026.eventbrite.com. Pizza and drinks are available for purchase. Saturday night, this is the show.
Sunday
May Filmmaking Meetup -- The Hilgermann Center, 2:00 PM CT
The Northwoods filmmaking community gathers at the Hilgermann in downtown Rhinelander for their monthly meetup -- this month's focus is creating a test scene together using projections. All skill levels welcome. More info at northwoodsfilm.com/society.
The Full Lineup
Find all 15+ events this weekend at northwoodslineup.com/events/.
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